Sales of the Fisher XV2 v-plow and pink lift arm kits will last throughout the month of October.Photo: Fisher Engineering
Fisher Engineering and SnowEx have teamed up to announce their support of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
During the month of October, Fisher says it will be running a special promotion featuring limited-edition pink Fisher XV2 V-plows and lift arm kits. Fisher says it will donate $100 from the sale of each pink XV2 V-plow and $50 from the sale of each pink lift arm kit to the Maine Breast Cancer Coalition, where purchasers can choose to make the donation in memory of a person that has been affected by breast cancer.
Additionally, attendees of the 2018 GIE+EXPO can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a limited-edition pink Fisher XV2 V-plow or limited-edition pink SnowEx V-Maxx G2 VX-1500 spreader.
“Our people are very passionate about supporting the awareness, prevention and treatment of breast cancer, a disease that affects not only thousands of families across the country but also around the world,” says Mark Adamson, executive vice president of commercial snow and ice for Douglas Dynamics. “With help from our brands and customers, we are proud and excited to donate funds raised through the sales of our limited-edition plows and lift arm kits as well as through the raffle at GIE.”
Raffle tickets can be purchased for $10 at the Komen booth (28068), and attendees who purchase two tickets will receive a free FIND A CURE knit cap while supplies last. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Kentucky Affiliate of Susan G. Komen, and anyone interested in purchasing a pink plow or lift arm kit can contact their local Fisher dealer.
The booth space for the promotion at GIE was donated by Sellers Exposition, and Hedstrom Plastics donated the pink poly hopper for the VX-1500 spreader.
Husqvarna supports Men Against Breast Cancer for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Husqvarna has partnered with Men Against Breast Cancer this fall for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The company says it will drive awareness for the non-profit and its mission as a supporting organization for men whose families are affected by breast cancer and donate to their cause.
“We are looking forward to once again partnering with Men Against Breast Cancer in raising awareness about their mission and donating $10,000 to their cause,” says Michelle Sordi, senior marketing director North America for Husqvarna. “Their programs fill such an important role for affected families. The caregiver side of breast cancer is so often overlooked, and Husqvarna remains committed to supporting the wonderful work they are doing.”
Throughout the month of October, Husqvarna says it will promote Men Against Breast Cancer through the company’s social media channels and raise awareness for their unique cause. The company says it will also hold the 2018 Husqvarna “Saws for a Cause” Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway, where one randomly selected winner will receive a limited-edition pink 450 Rancher chainsaw and limited-edition pink toy chainsaw. The giveaway entry period runs from Oct. 1 through Nov. 15.
“We believe it is important for people to know that men play a vital role as a partner in survival side by side with the women they love as they battle and navigate through this disease, and we are honored that Husqvarna has chosen to partner with MABC and continue their support in raising awareness,” says Marc Heyison, president/founder of Men Against Breast Cancer.
The group says that Men Against Breast Cancer is the first and only national 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to provide targeted support services that educate and empower men to be effective caregivers when cancer strikes.
To enter the 2018 Husqvarna Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway and see the official rules, click here. No purchase is necessary to enter or win, and no other method of entry will be accepted.
2018 HNA Installer Championship regional winners announced
The 2018 Hardscape North America (HNA) Installer Championships competition recently announced its regional winners. Team registrations are still being accepted for the 6th annual event, which will be held at HNA Oct. 18-19 in Louisville, Kentucky.
The following five teams won their regional installer competition events and have been sponsored to compete at HNA 2018:
- Returning 2017 Champion: CG Paving
- New England Region: Mike Darling Construction LLC
- NCLC 1st Place: Spokane Community College
- NCLC 2nd Place: Alamance Community College
- Southeast Region: GP Hardscapes
- Central Region: CG Paving Team 2
The HNA Installer Championships are intended to test and recognize the skill, passion and dedication of hardscape contractors from the United States, Canada and Mexico. Up to 24 teams will have their understanding of industry best practices and guidelines tested.
The registration fee is $200 per team, and all competing teams at HNA will have $150 of their registration fee refunded. Click here to download the registration forms.
Preliminary rounds will take place on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the final championship round will take place on Friday, Oct. 19.
The HNA champions will receive a prize package valued at approximately $12,650. This includes $2,550, an iQMS362 16.5″ masonry saw with 16.5″ diamond blade (valued at $2,750), a Weber MT CF3 forward plate compactor (valued at $3,350), their name engraved on the HNA Installer Championship Cup, a plaque, a return trip to HNA 2019 to defend their title (valued at up to $4,000) and additional promotional value in various media including Interlock Design Magazine, Hardscape Magazine and HNA’s website.
The second place team will receive $1,300, an iQ360XR 14″ masonry saw with fully-integrated dust collection plus accessories (valued at $2,450), a plaque and recognition in various media including Interlock Design Magazine and HNA’s website.
The third place winner will receive $650, a plaque and recognition in various media including the Interlock Design Magazine and HNA’s website.
The fourth place winner will receive a plaque and recognition in various media including Interlock Design Magazine and HNA’s website.
The 2018 HNA Installer Championships are sponsored by Anchor Wall, Belgard, iQ Power Tools, Keystone Hardscapes, Techniseal and Weber MT.
TreeTown USA awarded patent for new variety of Japanese blueberry tree
TreeTown USA was awarded a patent for a new variety of Japanese blueberry, ‘Morning Sun’ PP #29,266, that the company says features a strikingly vibrant red-orange flush while reaching heights up to 40 feet as a shade tree or kept smaller as a sheared and shaped accent plant.
Photo: TreeTown USAOften called a Japanese blueberry tree, this newest cultivar of Elaeocarpus decipiens was selectively chosen for its distinctive attributes as a fast, dense grower. The enhanced dense foliage, according to TreeTown USA, can easily be maintained to a conical shape for a formal presentation or to provide outstanding screening.
TreeTown USA says this combination makes it a perfect choice as an ornamental evergreen accent tree within the USDA Hardiness Zones of 8-10. At maturity, TreeTown USA says random leaves will turn vibrant red once again during leaf transition in the fall.
Once established, TreeTown USA says it’s a very hardy and drought-tolerant tree, and it makes an excellent street tree but is also suitable for lawn or park tree planting. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, and TreeTown USA says it prefers well-drained soil and regular water until it’s established.
“TreeTown USA offers landscape professionals and garden retailers regionally appropriate plants that are unique, patented and exclusive for both residential and commercial uses,” says Ron Ciaccio, company director of sales for the Southeast region. “Our regionally-focused introductions represent breakthroughs in plant breeding and, as such, reflect our commitment to increase our internal investment in new plant varieties while allowing designers and architects to create signature designs.”
Target Specialty Products launches Turf Fuel Cleanse
Turf Fuel CleansePhoto: Target Specialty Products
Target Specialty Products has launched Turf Fuel Cleanse, a product for turf professionals to treat soil that displays signs of localized dry spots (LDS), poor soil health and poor infiltration.
The company says the product combines soil sync technology with an even stronger solvent than previous formulations. This two-part system, the company says, works to attack hydrophobic organic acids responsible for LDS while delivering key enzymes to promote healthy soil biology and root system development. The company says this combination gives treated soil an improved rewetting capability and a more robust portfolio.
“Turf Fuel products are designed to provide exceptional, cutting-edge performance and differentiated value to our turf customers and Turf Fuel Cleanse is no different,” says Mark Jull, head of Turf Fuel products’ division, at Target Specialty Products. “Cleanse is an advanced soil remediation product comprised of multiple agents aimed at reducing and removing hydrophobic organic acids from soil.”
“In addition to a strong solvent, Turf Fuel Cleanse supplies enzymes and secondary metabolites to augment faster turf recovery,” says Jim Turner, Turf Fuel product development manager, at Target Specialty Products. “Unlike a soil surfactant that masks the symptoms of LDS, Turf Fuel Cleanse attacks and breaks down the cause of localized dry spots.”
Morbark hosts 12th Demo Days
Morbark recently hosted its 12th Demo Day event. The company said that more than 250 guests within the tree care, forestry, biomass, sawmill and recycling industries from over 14 countries were in attendance.
Morbark says the most exciting aspect of the event was the introduction of the new 23X Chiparvestor.
“In designing the 23X Chiparvestor whole tree disc chipper, Morbark followed the same thought process and ideas as we did in creating the other X-series of next-generation Morbark equipment,” says Michael Stanton, Morbark director of industrial sales. “We took our previous proven design technology and focused on minimizing downtime, increasing production and making improvements that will help contribute to customer success.”
Like previous whole tree disc chippers, the company says the 23X uses a 75” diameter by 5” thick chipper disc to chip large volumes of wood, while the built-in dirt separator with deflector keeps the end product clean.
Key improvements of the 23X over the previous models include:
- Increased ground clearance with four super single flotation tires for mobilization on uneven logging jobs
- 8’6″ width for legal transport worldwide
- Simplified feed system that includes a two-wheel hydraulic feed system consisting of a 35″ x 56″ top feed wheel and 13″ x 56″ bottom feed wheel
- An independent disc drive tensioning system for ease of adjustment
- Large work platform for easier and safer disc inspections and maintenance
- Improved chipper hood design that allows for better access to the disc during inspections and maintenance
- Integrated skidder bar as standard to allow for easier staging and repositioning of chipping on the landing
“Morbark continues to listen closely to our customers, providing the features they want and need and delivering on our promise of making heavy-duty equipment that helps enable them to succeed,” Stanton says.
OPEI adds Brandon Martin to staff
Brandon MartinThe Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) recently added Brandon Martin to its staff as director of battery and electric products and industry relations.
“We’re excited to have Brandon join the staff here at OPEI,” says Kris Kiser, OPEI president and CEO. “His experience in product development, channel support and marketing will make him a key part of our team as we continue to expand our staff expertise in the battery and electric product space.”
OPEI says Martin has spent 12 years in the power equipment industry working with major OPE manufacturers, and he has experience in the development and management of battery/electric commercial and consumer equipment, as well as robotic products and UTVs.
“I’ve been involved with OPEI on the member side for several years and I’m excited to join the team,” says Martin, who served on the association’s battery and electric products, robotic electric lawnmower and market statistics committees. “It’s a dynamic time for the industry, and I’m looking forward to helping the OPEI team continue its good work in driving the industry forward.”
RISE members hold annual meeting
The Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE) recently welcomed new governing board members and recognized dedicated volunteers during its 28th annual meeting at Amelia Island, Florida, with a focus on engagement and community building.
RISE says that nearly 600 manufacturers, distributors, formulators and other industry leaders attended the meeting, which was held in conjunction with CropLife America that honored its long-time president and CEO Jay Vroom, who retired after nearly 30 years and greeted its new leader Chris Novak.
“Our industry is in a time of transition and opportunity,” says Darren Horst, RISE governing board chair and vice president and general manager of Central Garden & Pet. “We welcome Chris Novak to CropLife America and the potential for our partnership as we go boldly forward in this new operating environment.”
New members elected were Katherine Bishop, Lebanon Seaboard Corporation, holding a formulator seat; Scott Reasons, Syngenta, holding a manufacturer seat; and Michael Maravich, Sipcam Agro USA, Inc., filling a formulator seat.
Outgoing board members completing their terms are Stephanie Jensen, BASF Corporation, and Dan Stahl, OHP, Inc., who served as board chair from 2014-2016.
Others continuing their terms on the governing board include:
- Darren Horst, chair, Central Garden & Pet
- John Gertz, vice chair, SiteOne Landscape Supply
- Zack Zaki, treasurer, FMC Corporation
- Jeff Alvis, AMVAC Chemical Corporation
- Sean Casey, Nufarm Americas, Inc.
- Bill Culpepper, SePRO Corporation
- Todd Ferguson, Primera, Inc.
- Gilles Galliou, Bayer
- James Guard, Bayer
- Tom Linnen, Corteva Agriscience
- Doug Obermann, PBI/Gordon Corporation
- John Smith, WinField United
“RISE goes boldly forward with its activity in the social space to talk about pesticide use, benefits and their necessity for daily living,” says Aaron Hobbs, RISE president.
RISE says the meeting’s theme was boldly4ward and reflects the idea that in times of change, the specialty pesticide and fertilizer industry must continue to work together and learn from one another.
Attendees were encouraged to share photos and posts to social media using the boldly4ward hashtag, and the group emphasized its #MyTurf campaign, which focuses on the value of turf while aiming to increase positive conversations about the importance of natural grass.
During the Monday general session, the Advocacy Strategic Driver Award was presented to the Label Workshop Planning Workgroup, which includes:
- Jon Ostrowski, Clarke
- Doug Soper, PBI/Gordon Corporation
- Jenn Hughes, Corteva Agriscience
- Kerry Sosa, BASF Corporation
- Jill Holihan, FMC Corporation
- Patty Flis, FMC Corporation
- Kristen Shears, Corteva Agriscience
- Tann Schafer, Bayer
- Julie Schlekau, Valent U.S.A. LLC
- Carrie Tackema, Nufarm Americas, Inc.
- Brad Glenn, Bayer
- Katie Swift, Liphatech, Inc.
- Kylli Paavola, Liphatech, Inc.
- Norma Pangilinan, SBM Life Science Corp.
RISE Volunteer Service Recognitions were awarded to three outgoing RISE Committee chairs—Frank Wong, Bayer, legislative affairs committee chair; Jim Jensen, NuFarm Americas, Inc., communications committee chair and Jill Holihan, FMC Corporation, regulatory affairs committee chair.
Michael Lee, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, was honored during Tuesday’s general session with the RISE 2018 Grassroots Excellence Award for engaging and mobilizing superintendents to support grassroots efforts.
Horst and Hobbs presented the association’s highest honor, the E. Allen James Award, to Jose Milan, Bayer, during its gala celebration on Tuesday evening.
For nearly 30 years, RISE says Milan has chaired and participated on committees and has been an industry leader. Past E. Allen James Award honorees Allen James; Bill Culpepper, SePRO Corporation, and Josh Weeks, Joshua H. Weeks Consulting, joined Milan to celebrate.
“Engagement with our members, communities, social channels and the industry was our focus for 2018 and we are thankful for active members who dedicate their time to the work of our association and bring their voices to the conversation,” said Hobbs.
The RISE Advocacy Strategic Driver Award was presented to the Label Workshop Planning Workgroup during the Association’s joint annual meeting held with CropLife America (CLA) in Amelia Island, Fla., Sept. 23-26, 2018. Pictured from left, Mike Parrish, Bayer; CLA President/CEO Chris Novak; Frank Wong, Bayer, outgoing chair of Legislative Affairs Committee; Jim Jensen, Nufarm Americas, Inc., outgoing chair of Communications Committee; CLA Board Chair Susanne Wasson, Corteva Agriscience; Jill Holihan, FMC Corporation, outgoing chair of Regulatory Affairs Committee; RISE Governing Board Chair Darren Horst, Central Garden & Pet; Karen Larsen, co-chair RISE Strategic Oversight Council, Clarke; and RISE President Aaron Hobbs.Photo: RISE
